I am planning to become pregnant in the next year

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You have decided that it is time to add to your family. But wait just a second – or a couple of months. To give yourself the best chance for a healthy pregnancy, and healthy baby, here are some important things you need to do first.

1. Schedule a preconception health visit with your ob-gyn or certified nurse midwife at least three months before you become pregnant.

This visit gives you the chance to sit down with your health care provider and talk about your plan to get pregnant. Before you go, be ready to talk about your:

Reproductive History: Includes any past pregnancies, miscarriages, stillbirths, or abortions. Tell you doctor is your periods are regular, your past and current birth control use, past Pap test results, any sexually transmitted diseases or any other infections you have had in the past.

Medical History: Any health conditions, like diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure that can harm a pregnancy. It is best to work with your doctor to get any health problems under control before you get pregnant.

Mental Health History: Talk to you doctor or midwife about any history of metal health conditions, both past and current. Poor mental health, that is not well controlled with medication, before pregnancy may increase the risk of postpartum mental illness, substance abuse, and less care during pregnancy. Always talk to you doctor before going off any medication.

Current Medications: Tell your doctor or midwife about all the medications you are on, including prescription, over-the-counter, any any vitamins or herbal supplements you take. Some medications can increase your risk of miscarriage or having a baby with birth defects. Your doctor or midwife can help you review your medications so you can stay healthy and keep your baby healthy. It is never a good idea to stop taking a prescription medication without talking to your doctor or midwife first.

Home and Workplace Environment: Tell your doctor or midwife if you or your partner works or lives around possible hazards – such as cat feces, x-rays, and lead or solvents. Some of these things can affect your ability to get pregnant or maintain a healthy pregnancy.

Screenings and Exams: Your doctor or midwife will check your weight and blood pressure. You may also want to get a Pap test and pelvic exam done if you have not gotten one in the last year. Finally, make sure all your immunizations are up to date and get any you may be missing.

2. Take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid everyday

Found in most multivitamins, as well as in fortified foods like cereal, bread, and pasta, folic acid is a B-vitamin that is needed for proper cell growth. To get enough folic acid, women should take a daily multivitamin and eat a healthy diet that includes folic acid rich foods like leafy greens, and whole wheat grains.

Folic acid is very important for the health of your baby. Studies have shown that, if taken every day for at least one month before getting pregnant and during the first trimester of pregnancy, folic acid can reduce the number of birth defects of the brain and spine called neural tube defects. New research also suggests that folic acid might reduce the risk of other birth defects, such as cleft lip and palate and some heart defects.

3. Give up drinking, smoking, and illegal drug use.

Smoking, abusing alcohol, and/or using illegal drugs by either your or your partner could harm your pregnancy and your baby. If either you or your partner is using any of these substances, ask for help in quitting before getting pregnant.

4. Get you your healthy weight.

You will want to try and reach your healthy weight, based on BMI, before getting pregnant. Being overweight or obese can make it harder to get pregnant and increase your risk of experiencing problems. Being underweight may raise your risk of delivering a low-birth weight baby.

5. Develop or maintain healthy eating and exercise habits.

Get in the habit of healthy eating and regular exercise before you get pregnant. These habits will help you stay healthy all through your pregnancy and life.

6. See your dentist.

It is a good idea to schedule a teeth cleaning, especially if it has been a while since your last trip to the dentist. Some studies have shown a link between gum disease and have a premature or low-birth weight baby. Getting oral health problems treated before getting pregnant may prevent future health problems in your and your baby.

7. Stop using birth control.

Most women are able to get pregnant almost immediately after stopping use of birth control no matter how long you used it.

Some women who use the birth control shot (Depo-Provera) may take longer to begin ovulating after stopping the shot, so it may take longer to get pregnant. It may take up to 13 weeks after your last shot to begin ovulation. If you still have not had a period a year after your last shot, see your doctor.

8. Figure out when you ovulate.

By watching and following your menstrual cycle you can track when you have released a egg (ovulation) and are more likely to get pregnant. You can use a calendar or phone app to track your periods and ovulation to increase your chances of getting pregnant.

Learn more about your menstrual cycle and ovulation by look at our GETTING PREGNANT section.

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This Utah Department of Health web site is designed for informational and educational purposes only. The Maternal and Infant Health Program does not see patients and is unable to diagnose your illness, provide treatment, prescribe medication, or refer you to specialists. If you need medical treatment, please see your health care provider.